Overview of the 2023–24 heatwave events in Western Australia
In Western Australia, heatwave is a recognised hazard under the Emergency Management Regulations 2006. The Department of Health is responsible for managing heatwave risks, with operational responsibility delegated to the State Health Coordinator (SHC).
The State Hazard Plan for Heatwave is only activated for extreme heatwaves, not severe heatwaves. During the 2023–24 summer, the plan was activated three times. A further seven significant heat events also occurred, which triggered public messaging to reduce heat‑related health risks.
Between mid‑November 2023 and mid‑February 2024, ten heat events affected large areas of Western Australia. On one occasion, around 70 per cent of the state’s population (about 1.8 million people) was impacted. Another event occurred at the same time as major power outages in the Goldfields and Wheatbelt regions, which reduced people’s ability to follow heat‑health advice, such as using air conditioning.
This case study focuses on the final activation of the Heatwave Plan during the 2023–24 season.
What happened
In February 2024, Western Australia experienced three heatwaves ranging from low to severe intensity. These conditions were linked to weather systems that caused hot air to remain over the state for several days.
Across the southwest, daytime temperatures were often 8 to 14 degrees Celsius above the February average. Temperatures peaked on 18 and 19 February, with several locations recording their highest February temperatures on record.
Carnarvon reached 49.9 °C and Shark Bay reached 49.8 °C on 18 February. Emu Creek in the Pilbara recorded four consecutive days of at least 48 °C, setting a new Australian record. Perth recorded seven days above 40 °C in February, exceeding the previous record of four such days.
Hot, dry and windy conditions also increased fire danger across much of southern and central Western Australia.
Escalation and decision‑making
On 5 February, the Bureau of Meteorology advised of a prolonged hot period starting from 8 February. Although extreme heatwave conditions were not initially forecast, widespread severe heat affecting much of the population was expected.
As forecasts were updated, areas of extreme heatwave became more likely, including parts of the Kimberley and major transport routes. Large public events, outdoor activities, and the risk of power outages were also considered.
On 7 February, the SHC declared a Level 1 incident, effective from the morning of 8 February, due to:
- Extreme heat along major highways
- Severe heat affecting much of the populated southwest
- Uncertainty about impacts on the power grid
How did we respond?
The Level 1 declaration led to the activation of state and regional emergency arrangements. Emergency operations centres were stood up, and incident controllers were appointed for metropolitan and regional areas.
Public information was delivered through the EmergencyWA platform using Advice‑level warnings, with a focus on staying informed and reducing heat‑related risks. Tailored messaging was provided for travellers in extreme heat areas.
Health services were advised to activate local heat plans and monitor heat‑related hospital presentations. Regular situation reports were shared with government agencies, and an All‑Hazards Liaison Group met to coordinate information and monitor impacts.
As conditions began to ease from 10 February, warnings were gradually downgraded. On 12 February, with extreme heat limited to largely unpopulated areas, the SHC stood down the Level 1 incident and returned operations to business as usual.
Impacts and consequences
An increase in heat‑related hospital presentations was recorded during the event. However, no major impacts to health services or critical infrastructure were reported.
Agencies did not report any significant issues with energy supply or service delivery during the incident. A formal post‑season review is yet to be completed.
es reported difficulty understanding how Bureau warnings and health‑led messaging aligned. Improving coordination and clarity between these systems has been identified as a priority for future seasons.
The event also reinforced that managing heatwaves can be resource‑intensive, even with advance warning. Ensuring adequate staffing and continuity during prolonged heat events was identified as an important consideration for future planning.